Abstract
OBJECTIVES: This study used a concurrent triangulation mixed-methods design to assess the acceptability of a yoga-based stress reduction intervention in family caregivers of hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients. DATA SOURCES: This study was a part of a randomized controlled trial. Of the 50 caregivers recruited, we analyzed data from 25 caregivers assigned to the intervention group. Participants were asked to practice the intervention 20 min per day for six weeks and record it in a practice diary. Surveys were administered at baseline and Week 6, and interviews were conducted at Week 2, Week 4, and Week 6. Non-parametric statistics on quantitative data and thematic analysis on qualitative data were compared in parallel. As part of triangulation, we examined the association between thematic analysis and total minutes of the intervention practice. CONCLUSION: Thematic analysis revealed the challenges and benefits participants experienced while practicing the intervention, with caregiver burden as a main barrier to practice. The number of participants perceiving that the intervention helps them relax and sleep increased over time. The quantitative analysis validated the benefits of practicing the intervention with the measures of sleep disturbance and health behaviors. Perceptions of caregiver burden and benefits of the intervention identified in thematic analysis were associated with total practice minutes. Researchers and clinicians may refer to the current findings when developing stress reduction intervention programs tailored for HSCT caregivers. Changes in caregiver burden along the HSCT trajectory should be considered when implementing such programs.